Medical image processing apparatus, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and medical image processing method

ABSTRACT

A medical image processing apparatus according to a present embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to accept an operation for a region of interest (ROI) GUI and a guide GUI on a screen on which a medical image is displayed, the ROI GUI being for setting a ROI on the medical image, the guide GUI being for guiding a setting of the ROI on the medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to decide whether to move the ROI GUI and the guide GUI in a manner interlocked with each other or not according to a preset condition, when a turning operation or a sliding operation for any one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2015-110511, filed on May 29, 2015, andJapanese Patent Application No. 2015-110512, filed on May 29, 2015, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

An embodiment relates to a medical image processing apparatus, amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and a medical imageprocessing method.

BACKGROUND

The MRI apparatus magnetically excites nuclear spins of an objectdisposed in a static magnet field with a high-frequency (RF: radiofrequency) pulse at a Larmor frequency, and reconstructs an image from amagnetic resonance (MR) signal caused by the excitement.

In the case of generating an image for diagnosis using the MRIapparatus, a region of interest (ROI) is required to be set beforediagnostic imaging. The ROI is an imaging field, such as an imagingslice or an imaging slab. In order to set the ROI, the MRI apparatuspreliminarily performs a locator imaging for positioning, and generatesa positioning image. The apparatus then sets the ROI on the positioningimage.

For example, the MRI apparatus generates a sagittal section image as thepositioning image through cerebral imaging. The MRI apparatus sets arectangular ROI that has a center position covering the cerebrum andcerebellum on the positioning image and that is arranged parallel to aline connecting nasal spine to a lower end of pons on the positioningimage. In the case of setting the ROI in this manner, the ROI and itscenter line are not always at the nasal spine or the lower end of thepons. Consequently, the position and angle of the ROI with respect tothe positioning image is not necessarily appropriate.

To address this problem, there is a method of setting a guide on thepositioning image, calculating the ROI having a geometrical relationshipwith the guide, and displaying the calculated ROI on the positioningimage.

According to the conventional technique, the calculated ROI has to bemoved in a manner interlocked with an operation of moving the guide onthe positioning image. Consequently, the ROI setting efficiency has beenlow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In accompanying drawings,

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a medical imageprocessing apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIGS. 2A to 2E are diagrams each showing an example of movementinformation;

FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams each showing an example of attributeinformation table that defines attribute information;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for specifically describing functions of themedical image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that includes apositioning image including a brain, an ROT GUI, and a guide GUI;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart specifically showing functions in step ST10 shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen for illustrating the ROIGUI that turns in the manner interlocked with a turning operation forthe guide GUI;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen for illustrating the ROIGUI that is not interlocked with a sliding operation for the guide GUI;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen for illustrating the guideGUI that turns in the manner interlocked with a turning operation forthe ROI GUI;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen for illustrating the guideGUI that is not interlocked with a sliding operation for the ROI GUI;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that includes thepositioning image including a knee, the ROI GUI, and the guide GUI;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that includes thepositioning image including an aortic valve/pulmonary valve, the ROIGUI, and the guide GUI;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an MRIapparatus according to a second embodiment; and

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for specifically describing functions of an MRIapparatus according to a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A medical image processing apparatus, an MRI apparatus and a medicalimage processing method according to a present embodiment is describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

The medical image processing apparatus according to the presentembodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry isconfigured to accept an operation for a region of interest (ROI) GUI anda guide GUI on a screen on which a medical image is displayed, the ROIGUI being for setting a ROI on the medical image, the guide GUI beingfor guiding a setting of the ROI on the medical image. The processingcircuitry is configured to decide whether to move the ROI GUI and theguide GUI in a manner interlocked with each other or not according to apreset condition, when a turning operation or a sliding operation forany one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted.

1. First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a medical imageprocessing apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows the medical image processing apparatus 10 according to thefirst embodiment. The medical image processing apparatus 10 sets a ROIon a positioning image generated from medical image data. For example,the medical image processing apparatus 10 sets the ROI on thepositioning image generated from volume data that includesthree-dimensionally arranged voxel data, using a method described below.The medical image processing apparatus 10 then generates athree-dimensional image of the set ROI from the volume data. Thethree-dimensional image may be an MPR (multi planar reconstruction)image, a volume rendering image, a surface rendering image or the like.The medical image data which is an original of the positioning image isnot necessarily limited to the volume data. For example, the medicalimage data which is the original of the positioning image istwo-dimensional image data, each of pieces of frame data ontwo-dimensional time-series images, or each of pieces of frame data onthree- or four-dimensional time-series images.

The volume data which is an original for setting the ROI is generated bya medical image diagnostic apparatus, such as an MRI apparatus, an X-rayCT (computed tomography) apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, or anultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Any type of medical image diagnosticapparatuses may be used to generate the volume data. The medical imagediagnostic apparatus is also called modality.

The medical image processing apparatus 10 is, for example, a dedicatedor general-purpose computer. The medical image processing apparatus 10is any apparatus including functions 111 to 114, which are describedlater. For example, the functions of the medical image processingapparatus 10 may be those included in any of a medical image diagnosticapparatus, such as an MRI apparatus, connected via a network, a PC(workstation) that applies image processing to a medical image, and amedical image management apparatus (server) that stores and managesmedical images.

The case where the medical image processing apparatus 10 is a dedicatedor general-purpose computer is hereinafter described.

The medical image processing apparatus 10 includes processing circuitry11, input circuitry (input portion) 12, a display (display portion) 13,an IF (communication portion) 14, and memory circuitry (memory) 15.

The processing circuitry 11 means any one of dedicated or generalcentral processing unit (CPU) and a micro processor unit (MPU), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logicdevice. The programmable logic device may be, for example, any one of asimple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logicdevice (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and the like. Theprocessing circuitry 11 reads programs stored in the memory circuitry 15or directly implemented in the processing circuitry 11, executes theseprograms, and accomplishes the following functions 111-114.

The processing circuitry 11 may be a single processing circuit or acombination of multiple processing circuits. In the latter case, thememory circuitry 15 includes multiple memory circuits each storing anelement of a program, each of the multiple memory circuits is providedfor each of the multiple circuits. Alternatively, the memory circuitry15 includes a single memory circuit storing the program, the singlememory circuit is provided for the multiple circuits.

The processing circuitry 11 performs a display control function (displaycontroller) 111, an accepting function (acceptor) 112, a movementcontrol function (movement controller) 113, and an image generatingfunction (image generator) 114. The processing circuitry 11 readsvarious types of control programs stored in the memory circuitry 15 andperforms the functions 111 to 114, and integrally controls processingoperations in the components 12 to 15.

The display control function 111 includes a function that obtains orreads the volume data stored in the memory circuitry 15, generates thepositioning image generated based on the volume data, and displays thegenerated image on the display 13. The display control function 111includes a function that displays, on the display 13, a ROI GUI(graphical user interface) for setting a ROI, and a guide GUI that is areference for setting the ROI GUI. Both the ROI GUI and the guide GUIare graphical components displayed on the screen, and are turnable andslidable on the screen according to instructions through the inputcircuitry 12.

The accepting function 112 includes a function that accepts movingoperations for the ROI GUI and guide GUI through the input circuitry 12.Each of the moving operations is an operation for changing the initialposition of the guide GUI or the ROI GUI on the display screen.

The movement control function 113 is a function of controlling switchingof interlocking, thereby deciding whether to move the GUIs. Theswitching of interlocking is whether to interlock the ROI GUI or not inconformity with a moving operation for the guide GUI. Alternatively, theswitching of interlocking is whether to interlock the guide GUIinterlock or not in conformity with a moving operation for the ROI GUI.

The image generating function 114 includes a function that generates athree-dimensional image in an ROI after control of the movement by themovement control function 113 on the basis of the volume data obtainedby the display control function 111.

The functions 111 to 114 included in the medical image processingapparatus 10 are specifically described with reference to a flowchartshown in FIG. 4.

The input circuitry 12 is a circuit that receives a signal from an inputdevice, such as a pointing device (mouse etc.) or a keyboard, which canbe operated by an operator. Here, the input device itself is included inthe input circuitry 12. When the input device is operated by theoperator, the input circuitry 12 generates an input signal according tothe operation and outputs the generated signal to the processingcircuitry 11. The medical image processing apparatus 10 may have a touchpanel that includes an input device configured integrally with thedisplay 13.

The display 13 may be an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like. Thedisplay 13 displays various pieces of display information, such asvarious operation screens and image data, on the LCD according to aninstruction from the processing circuitry 11.

The IF (interface) 14 performs a communication operation with anexternal apparatus in conformity with predetermined communicationstandards. In the case where the medical image processing apparatus 10is provided on a network, the IF 14 transmits and receives informationto and from the external apparatus on the network. For example, the IF14 receives the volume data obtained through imaging by a medical imagediagnostic apparatus (not shown), such as an MRI apparatus, from amedical image diagnostic apparatus or a medical image managementapparatus (now shown), and transmits a three-dimensional image generatedby the medical image processing apparatus 10 to the medical imagemanagement apparatus or a reading terminal (now shown), thus performingthe communication operation with the external apparatus.

The memory circuitry 15 may include semiconductor memory elements, suchas a RAM (random access memory) and a flash memory, a hard disk, and anoptical disk. The memory circuitry 15 may be a portable media, such as aUSB (universal serial bus) memory and a DVD (digital video disk). Thememory circuitry 15 stores various processing programs (applicationprograms, OS (operating system), etc.) used by the processing circuitry11, data required to execute the programs, the volume data, and medicalimages. The OS extensively uses graphics for displaying information forthe operator on the display 13, and includes GUIs that allow the inputcircuitry 12 to receive basic operations.

The memory circuitry 15 also stores pieces of movement information(shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E). Each pieces of movement information includesa condition and a control content indicating whether or not to move amoving target according to a moving operation. The condition is acombination of the moving operation (a moving operation target and amoving operation type) on the display screen and the moving target. Thememory circuitry 15 stores an attribute information table (shown inFIGS. 3A to 3C). The attribute information table includes a conditionand a control content indicating whether to move the moving targetaccording to the moving operation or not. The condition is attributeinformation including at least one piece of imaging purpose information(e.g., imaging region information), operator identification information(e.g., an operator ID), and patient identification information (e.g., apatient ID). Here, the imaging purpose information includes the imagingregion information indicating an anatomical region of an imaging target.The imaging region information is, for example, on a brain, a knee, aheart, an aortic valve, a pulmonary valve and the like. The imagingpurpose information may include information indicating a type of animage, such as a diffusion weighted image (DWI), or indicating a type ofan imaging method, such as a time of flight method (TOF).

The medical image processing apparatus 10 controls the movement of theguide GUI and the ROI GUI on the basis of the movement information andthe attribute information. Hereinafter, the movement information and theattribute information are sequentially described.

FIGS. 2A to 2E are diagrams each showing an example of movementinformation.

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, five pieces M1 to M5 of movement informationinclude the moving operation, the moving target, and the control content(“Yes” or No in the diagrams). The moving operation includes the movingoperation target, and the moving operation type. Here, moving operationtype may be a turning operation and a sliding (translation) operation.The turning operation includes a clockwise turning operation, and ananticlockwise turning operation. The moving operation target is theguide GUI and the ROI GUI. Likewise, the moving target is the guide GUIand the ROI GUI.

The pieces M1 to M5 of movement information have a condition that is acombination of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI as the moving operationtargets, the turning operation and the sliding operation as the movingoperation types, and the ROI GUI and the guide GUI as the movingtargets. Each of the pieces M1 to M5 of movement information defines thecontrol content so as to be in conformity with the condition.

FIG. 2A indicates the first piece M1 of movement information. The firstpiece M1 of movement information turns the ROI GUI in an interlockedmanner according to the turning operation for the guide GUI. The firstpiece M1 of movement information independently controls sliding of theguide GUI and the ROI GUI according to the sliding operation for theguide GUI and the ROI GUI. In the case where the moving operation targetis the guide GUI, the first piece M1 of movement information indicatesthat the guide GUI is turned, and that the ROI GUI is moved (turned) inthe interlocked manner, the GUIs according to the turning operation ofthe moving operation for the guide GUI on the display screen. Thecontrol content of moving is represented as “Yes” in FIG. 2A. That is,the content indicates that when the turning operation for the guide GUIis performed, the ROI GUI is turned in the manner interlocked with theturning. The first piece M1 of movement information indicates that theguide GUI is slid according to the sliding operation of the movingoperation for the guide GUI on the display screen, but the ROI GUI isnot moved (slid) in the interlocked manner regardless of the presentsliding operation. The control content of not moving is represented as“No” in FIG. 2A. That is, the content indicates that even when the slideoperation for the guide GUI is performed, the ROI GUI is not slid.

On the other hand, in the case where the moving operation target is theROI GUI, the first piece M1 of movement information indicates that theROI GUI is turned according to the turning operation of the movingoperation for the ROI GUI on the display screen, but the guide GUI isnot moved (turned) in the interlocked manner regardless of the presentturning operation. The first piece M1 of movement information indicatesthat the ROI GUI is slid according to the sliding operation of themoving operation for the ROI GUI on the display screen, but the guideGUI is not moved (slid) in the interlocked manner regardless of thepresent sliding operation.

According to the first piece M1 of movement information, the turningoperation for the ROI GUI on the display screen does not cause the guideGUI to be moved (turned) in the interlocked manner. On the contrary,according to the first piece M1 of movement information, the turningoperation for the guide GUI on the display screen causes the ROI GUI tobe moved (turned) in the interlocked manner. Consequently, according tothe first piece M1 of movement information, the turning operation forthe ROI GUI on the display screen creates a difference in angle betweenthe ROI GUI and the guide GUI, and the turning operation for the guideGUI on the display screen turns the ROI GUI while maintaining thedifference in angle. Thus, the ROI GUI having a predetermined differencein angle from the guide GUI is easily set.

FIG. 2B indicates the second piece M2 of movement information. Themovement information M2 indicates that the guide GUI is turned, and thatthe ROI GUI is moved (turned) in the interlocked manner, the GUIsaccording to the turning operation of the moving operation for the guideGUI on the display screen. The second piece M2 of movement informationindicates that the guide GUI is slid according to the sliding operationof the moving operation for the guide GUI on the display screen, but theROI GUI is not moved (slid) in the interlocked manner regardless of thepresent sliding operation.

The second piece M2 of movement information indicates that the ROI GUIis turned, and that the guide GUI is moved (turned) in the interlockedmanner, the GUIs according to the turning operation of the movingoperation for the ROI GUI on the display screen. The second piece M2 ofmovement information indicates that the ROI GUI is slid according to thesliding operation of the moving operation for the ROI GUI on the displayscreen, but the guide GUI is not moved (slid) in the interlocked mannerregardless of the present sliding operation.

According to the pieces M1 and M2 of movement information, the turningoperation for the guide GUI on the display screen causes the ROI GUI tobe moved (turned) in the interlocked manner. On the contrary, accordingto the pieces M1 and M2 of movement information, the sliding operationfor the ROI GUI on the display screen does not cause the guide GUI to bemoved (slid) in the interlocked manner. Consequently, according to thepieces M1 and M2 of movement information, even when the turningoperation for the guide GUI arranged with reference to a reference pointturns the ROI GUI to set the angle of the ROI GUI and then the slidingoperation is applied to the ROI GUI, a position of the guide GUI isunchanged, the position being after the turning operation. In thismanner, according to the pieces M1 and M2 of movement information, it ispossible for the operator to check whether the angle of the turned ROIGUI is appropriate or not while viewing the display screen.

FIG. 2C indicates the third piece M3 of movement information. The thirdpiece M3 of movement information indicates that the guide GUI is turned,and that the ROI GUI is moved (turned) in the interlocked manner, theGUIs according to the turning operation of the moving operation for theguide GUI on the display screen. The third piece M3 of movementinformation indicates that the guide GUI is slid, and that the ROT GUIis moved (slid) in the interlocked manner, the GUIs according to thesliding operation of the moving operation for the guide GUI on thedisplay screen.

The third piece M3 of movement information indicates that the ROI GUI isturned, and that the guide GUI is moved (turned) in the interlockedmanner, the GUIs according to the turning operation of the movingoperation for the ROI GUI on the display screen. The third piece M3 ofmovement information indicates that the ROI GUI is slid, and that theguide GUI is moved (slid) in the interlocked manner, the GUIs accordingto the sliding operation of the moving operation for the ROI GUI on thedisplay screen.

FIG. 2D indicates the fourth piece M4 of movement information. Thefourth piece M4 of movement information indicates that the guide GUI isturned, and that the ROI GUI is moved (turned) in the interlockedmanner, the GUIs according to the turning operation of the movingoperation for the guide GUI on the display screen. The fourth piece M4of movement information indicates that the guide GUI is slid, and theROI GUI is moved (slid) in the interlocked manner, the GUIs according tothe sliding operation of the moving operation for the guide GUI on thedisplay screen.

The fourth piece M4 of movement information indicates that both of theROI GUI and the guide GUI are not moved (turned) in the interlockedmanner regardless of the present turning operation for the ROI GUI. Thefourth piece M4 of movement information indicates that both of the ROIGUI and the guide GUI are not moved (slid) in the interlocked mannerregardless of the present sliding operation for the ROI GUI.

FIG. 2E indicates the fifth piece M5 of movement information. The fifthpiece M5 of movement information indicates that the guide GUI is turnedaccording to the turning operation of the moving operation for the guideGUI on the display screen, but the ROI GUI is not moved (turned) in theinterlocked manner regardless of the present turning operation. Thefifth piece M5 of movement information indicates that the guide GUI isslid according to the sliding operation of the moving operation for theguide GUI on the display screen, but the ROI GUI is not moved (slid) inthe interlocked manner regardless of the present sliding operation.

The fifth piece M5 of movement information indicates that the ROI GUI isturned according to the turning operation of the moving operation forthe ROI GUI on the display screen, but the guide GUI is not moved(turned) in the interlocked manner regardless of the present turningoperation. The fifth piece M5 of movement information indicates that theROI GUI is slid according to the sliding operation of the movingoperation for the ROI GUI on the display screen, but the guide GUI isnot moved (slid) in the interlocked manner regardless of the presentsliding operation.

Next, the attribute information is described. FIGS. 3A to 3C arediagrams each showing an example of attribute information table thatdefines the attribute information.

FIG. 3A shows an attribute information table T1 that associates types ofthe pieces of movement information with imaging region information,which is attribute information. The attribute information table T1includes the imaging region information, which is for example fourimaging regions, i.e., “Brain”, “Knee”, “Aortic Valve/Pulmonary Valve”,and “Heart”.

The attribute information tables T1 to T3 have, as a condition, at leastone of pieces of the attribute information, which are the imagingpurpose information, the operator identification information, and thepatient identification information. The attribute information tables T1to T3 define the control content so as to be in conformity with thecondition. Here, the pieces M1 to M5 of movement information areassigned in conformity with the condition, thereby defining the controlcontent.

For example, “Movement Information” in the attribute information tableT1 defines that in the case where the imaging region informationindicates “Brain”, the first piece M1 of movement information shown inFIG. 2A is assigned. Likewise, in the case where the imaging regioninformation is “Knee”, the second piece M2 of movement information shownin FIG. 2B is assigned. In the case of “Aortic Valve/Pulmonary Valve”,the third piece M3 of movement information shown in FIG. 2C is assigned.In the case of “Heart”, the four piece M4 of movement information shownin FIG. 2D is assigned.

FIG. 3B shows an attribute information table T2 that associates thetypes of the pieces of movement information with the operatoridentification information, which is the attribute information. Theattribute information table T2 includes, for example, three operators“◯1” to “◯3” as the operator identification information. For example,the operator “◯1” is assigned the first piece M1 of movement informationshown in FIG. 2A. The operator “◯2” is assigned the second piece M2 ofmovement information shown in FIG. 2B. The operator “◯3” is assigned thefirst piece M1 of movement information shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3C shows an attribute information table T3 that associates thetypes of the pieces of movement information with the patientidentification information, which is the attribute information. Theattribute information table T3 includes, for example, three patients“P1” to “P3” as the patient identification information. For example, thepatient “P1” is assigned the first piece M1 of movement informationshown in FIG. 2A. The patient “P2” is assigned the second piece M2 ofmovement information shown in FIG. 2B. The patient “P3” is assigned thethird piece M3 of movement information shown in FIG. 2C.

The attribute information tables T1 to T3 may include information on therelative position and offset angle of a ROI GUI R on an initial displayscreen (shown in FIG. 5) associated with the attribute information. Therelative position of the ROI GUI R is a relative position of a centerposition of the ROI GUI R with reference to a position (center positionor the like) of the guide GUI G on the initial display screen.

The offset angle of the ROI GUI R is a relative angle of an ROI GUI Rwith reference to an angle of the guide GUI G on the initial displayscreen. In the case where the ROI GUI R is a slice or a slab, adifference between an inclination angle of the slice or slab and aninclination angle of the guide GUI G is the offset angle.

As the attribute information, the attribute information table T1 shownin FIG. 3A is referred to. Furthermore, in the case where the imagingregion information is “Brain”, “Relative Position of ROI GUI” is (x1,y1, z1) and “Offset Angle of ROI GUI” is 0° in FIG. 3A. In this case, asshown in FIG. 5, the ROI GUI R on the initial display screen has thecenter position RC at the relative position (y0+y1, z0+z1) withreference to the center position (y0, z0) of the guide GUI G, and hasthe inclination angle of the ROI GUI R (the inclination angle of theslab R) as 0° with reference to the angle of the guide GUI G. That is,the ROI GUI R and the guide GUI G are parallel to each other on theinitial display screen.

The attribute information may only include one of the pieces ofinformation, which are the imaging region information, the operatoridentification information, and the patient identification information.That is, the movement information may be associated with a combinationof the imaging region information, the operator identificationinformation and the patient identification information.

Subsequently, functions of the medical image processing apparatus 10according to the first embodiment are specifically described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for specifically describing the functions of themedical image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

The identification information (ID: identification) of the operator, thepassword and the like are input through the input circuitry 12 by theoperator, thereby allowing the display control function 111 of themedical image processing apparatus 10 to authenticate the operator (stepST1).

As described above, the memory circuitry 15 stores the volume datagenerated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus, such as the MRIapparatus, the X-ray CT apparatus, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, andthe ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

When desired volume data is designated through the input circuitry 12,the display control function 111 obtains or reads the designated volumedata from the memory circuitry 15 (step ST2).

The display control function 111 sets the imaging region information(imaging region to be imaged) in the volume data obtained by the displaycontrol function 111 (step ST3). The setting of the imaging regioninformation in step ST3 may be performed automatically on the basis ofsupplementary information in the volume data, or performed on the basisof information input through the input circuitry 12.

The display control function 111 detects the reference point on thebasis of the volume data obtained in step ST2 (step ST4). It may beconfigured such that the reference point detected in step ST4 isdifferent according to the type of the imaging region information set instep ST3. For example, in the case where the imaging region informationis the brain, characteristic imaging regions, which are a nasal spineG1, a lower end of pons G2 (shown in FIG. 5) and the like, are detectedas the reference point.

It is possible to detect the reference point using, for example, atemplate matching method. For example, shapes of anatomicalcharacteristic imaging regions of the head, such as the nasal spine G1and the lower end of pons G2 (shown in FIG. 5), are preliminarily storedas templates, and matching between the templates and the volume dataallows the positions of the nasal spine G1 and the lower end of pons G2to be automatically detected. However, the reference point is notnecessarily detected by the template matching method. For example, aclassifier is preliminarily configured through machine learning from aneighboring image pattern around the characteristic imaging region inthe brain, and the characteristic imaging region in the volume data maybe detected using this classifier.

The display control function 111 sets the guide GUI including thereference point detected in step ST4 while setting the ROI GUI (stepST5). In step ST5, the display control function 111 automatically setsthe ROI GUI on the basis of the relative position and the offset anglewith reference to the guide GUI, which are defined in the attributeinformation tables T1 to T3 as described above, and on the thickness andnumber of slices and the thickness of the slab, having been set throughthe input circuitry 12.

The display control function 111 generates the positioning image fromthe volume data obtained in step ST2 (step ST6). For example, thedisplay control function 111 generates, from the volume data, thetwo-dimensional sectional view including the guide GUI set in step ST5(e.g., a sagittal image including the guide GUI), and adopts this imageas the positioning image. The display control function 111 initiallydisplays, on the display 13, the positioning image generated in stepST6, and the guide GUI and the ROI GUI set in step ST5 (step ST7).

Here, in the case where the ROI GUI is for example a region includingthe brain, the guide GUI set in step ST5 is a line including the nasalspine and the lower end of pons, a line segment connecting the nasalspine and the lower end of pons or the like. The ROI GUI set in step ST5is one or more sections (slices) set in a region including the brain or,for example, a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped region (slab). The ROIGUI initially displayed on the positioning image generated in step ST6is set at an initial position having a predetermined relative positionalrelationship with respect to the position of the guide GUI.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that includes thepositioning image including the brain, the ROI GUI, and the guide GUI.

FIG. 5 thus shows the positioning image based on the volume dataincluding the brain, and is, for example, the sagittal image(cross-section image) of a Y-Z section including the brain. The ROI GUIR and the guide GUI G are displayed on the sagittal image. The guide GUIG is a line (section) including the reference point detected in stepST4. Here, in the case of the sagittal image including the brain, it ispreferred that the detected reference points be the nasal spine G1 andthe lower end of pons G2. However, the configuration is not limitedthereto. For example, the reference point may be an anterior commissureand a posterior commissure.

The center position RC of the ROI GUI R may be set in the characteristicimaging region detected based on the volume data, set at the center ofthree or four reference points, or determined on the basis of theposition of the guide GUI G. In the case of setting based on theposition of the guide GUI G, the center position RC is determined on thebasis of a point on the guide GUI G, e.g., a reference point G1, areference point G2 or the midpoint of the reference points G1 and G2,and of a preset relative position. For example, in the case where theposition (Y, Z) of the midpoint of the reference points G1 and G2 is(y0, z0) and the preset relative position (Y, Z) is (yn, zn), the centerposition RC is determined as (y0+yn, z0+zn). The preset relativeposition (yn, zn) may be determined on the basis of the attributeinformation as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.

The angle of the ROI GUI R is determined on the basis of the angle ofthe guide GUI G. For example, the ROI GUI R includes a side having anoffset angle θ preset from the guide GUI G. In the example shown in FIG.5, the ROI GUI R has a rectangular shape including a side (offset angleθ=0) parallel to the guide GUI G. The center lines R1 and R2 of the ROIGUI may be displayed together with the ROI GUI R. The preset offsetangle θ may be determined on the basis of the attribute information asshown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.

The positioning image initially displayed in step ST7 shown in FIG. 4may be the sagittal image shown in FIG. 5, an X-Y section axial image,an X-Z section coronal image or an oblique section image. Thepositioning image to be initially displayed may be images selected fromamong the sagittal image, axial image, coronal image, and obliquesection image. The oblique section image is a section image at any anglethat is other than orthogonal three sections. The oblique section imagemay generated from any image obtained from the orthogonal three sectionsor the volume data, or an image obtained by imaging at any angle. Forexample, the oblique section image may be an image of a section passingthrough any three points among the nasal spine, the lower end of pons,the anterior commissure and the posterior commissure, or an image of asection having the minimum distances from these four points.

Returning to the description on FIG. 4, the accepting function 112refers to the attribute information (e.g., any of the attributeinformation tables T1 to T3 shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C) stored in thememory circuitry 15. The accepting function 112 obtains the movementinformation indicating whether to move the guide GUI and the ROI GUI ornot (e.g., any of pieces M1 to M5 of movement information shown in FIGS.2A to 2E) (step ST8).

The accepting function 112 accepts the moving operation for at least oneof the ROI GUI and the guide GUI through the input circuitry 12 (stepST9). The movement control function 113 controls switching of whether tomove the guide GUI and the ROI GUI or not according to the movingoperation of the moving operation target on the basis of the movementinformation obtained in step ST8 (or movement information after changein step ST10 d shown in FIG. 6) (step ST10).

Here, functions in step ST10 are specifically described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart specifically showing the functions in step ST10shown in FIG. 4.

The movement control function 113 determines whether to move the guideGUI and the ROI GUI on the display screen on the basis of the movementinformation obtained in step ST8 shown in FIG. 4 (or movementinformation after change in step ST10 d). The movement control function113 moves the movable guide GUI and ROI GUI on the display screen (stepST10 a).

Here, movement of the guide GUI and the ROI GUI in the case of the firstpiece M1 of movement information shown in FIG. 2A is described usingdisplay screens shown in FIGS. 7 to 10.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the display screen for illustrating the ROIGUI that turns in the manner interlocked with the turning operation forthe guide GUI.

When the guide GUI G is subjected to the turning operation on theinitial display screen shown in FIG. 5, the guide GUI G is turnedcentered on its center position and the ROI GUI R is turned in theinterlocked manner centered on its center position by an amount ofturning of the guide GUI G as shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, the guide GUIG and ROI GUI R before being turned are indicated by broken lines, andthe guide GUI G and ROI GUI R after being turned are indicated by solidlines. For example, the turning operation for the guide GUI G isachieved by designating a portion H1 that is other than the centerposition of the guide GUI G before the turn, then moving the portion H1while keeping the portion H1 designated, and canceling the designationat a desired angle. That is, the turning operation for the guide GUI Gis achieved by a drag-and-drop operation.

The display screen shown in FIG. 7 may include information representingthe content of the first piece M1 of movement information shown in FIG.2A. The content of the first piece M1 of movement information isrepresented as character information, thereby allowing the operator toview whether the guide GUI G and the ROI GUI R are moved or notaccording to the moving operation for the guide GUI G on the displayscreen.

Furthermore, the display screen shown in FIG. 7 may include the relativeangle (30°) of the guide GUI G with reference to the initial angle ofthe guide GUI G after the turning operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display screen for illustrating the ROIGUI that is not interlocked with the sliding operation for the guideGUI.

When the guide GUI G is subjected to the sliding operation on theinitial display screen shown in FIG. 5, the guide GUI G is slid but theROI GUI R is not slid, as shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the guide GUI Gbefore being slid is indicated by a broken line, and the guide GUI Gafter being slid is indicated by a solid line. For example, the slidingoperation for the guide GUI G is achieved by designating a portion H2 atthe center position of the guide GUI G before the sliding, then movingthe portion H2 while keeping the portion H2 designated, and cancelingthe designation at a desired angle. That is, the sliding operation forthe guide GUI G is achieved by a drag-and-drop operation.

The display screen shown in FIG. 8 may include information representingthe content of the first piece M1 of movement information shown in FIG.2A. The content of the first piece M1 of movement information isrepresented as character information, thereby allowing the operator toview whether the guide GUI G and the ROI GUI R are moved or notaccording to the moving operation for the guide GUI G on the displayscreen.

In the display screens shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the content of the firstpiece M1 of movement information may be represented by information otherthan character information. For example, while the portions H1 and H2are designated before movement, a line indicating the guide GUI G andlines indicating the ROI GUI R may be represented by the attributeinformation (at least one pieces of information among hue information,lightness information, and chroma saturation information) having colorsin conformity with the content of the movement information.

For example, according to the first piece M1 of movement information,the turning operation for the guide GUI G turns the guide GUI G and theROI GUI R. Consequently, while the portion H1 (shown in FIG. 7) isdesignated before the turn, lines indicating the guide GUI G and the ROIGUI R are represented in blue. For example, according to the first pieceM1 of movement information, the sliding operation for the guide GUI Gslides the guide GUI G but sliding of the ROI GUI R is prohibited.Consequently, while the portion H2 (shown in FIG. 8) at the centerposition of the guide GUI G is designated before sliding, the lineindicating the GUI G is represented in blue and the lines indicating theROI GUI R are represented in red. The content of the movementinformation is represented, thereby allowing the operator to viewwhether the guide GUI G and the ROI GUI R are moved or not according tothe moving operation for the guide GUI G and the ROI GUI R on thedisplay screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the display screen for illustrating theguide GUI that turns in the manner interlocked with the turningoperation for the ROI GUI.

When the ROI GUI R on the initial display screen shown in FIG. 5 issubjected to the turning operation, the ROI GUI R is turned centered onits center position and the guide GUI G is turned in the interlockedmanner centered on its center position by an amount of turning of theROI GUI R as shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the ROI GUI R and guide GUI Gbefore being turned are indicated by broken lines, and the ROI GUI R andguide GUI G after being turned are indicated by solid lines. Forexample, the turning operation for the ROI GUI R is achieved bydesignating a portion H3 on the center line R2 (or the center line R1)before the turn, then moving the portion H3 while keeping the portion H3designated, and canceling the designation at a desired angle. That is,the turning operation for the ROI GUI R is achieved by a drag-and-dropoperation.

The display screen shown in FIG. 9 may include information representingthe content of the second piece M2 of movement information shown in FIG.2B. The content of the second piece M2 of movement information isrepresented as character information, thereby allowing the operator toview whether the ROI GUI R and the guide GUI G are moved or notaccording to the moving operation for the ROI GUI R on the displayscreen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display screen for illustrating theguide GUI that is not interlocked with the sliding operation for the ROIGUI.

When the guide ROI GUI R on the initial display screen shown in FIG. 5is subjected to the sliding operation, the ROI GUI R is slid but theguide GUI G is not slid, as shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, the ROI GUI Rbefore being slid is indicated by broken lines, and the ROI GUI R afterbeing slid is indicated by solid lines. For example, the slidingoperation for the ROI GUI R is achieved by designating a portion H4 thatis a frame of the ROI GUI R before being slid, then moving the portionH4 while keeping the portion H4 designated, and canceling thedesignation at a desired angle. That is, the sliding operation for theROI GUI R is achieved by a drag-and-drop operation.

The display screen shown in FIG. 10 may include information representingthe content of the first piece M1 of movement information shown in FIG.2A. The content of the first piece M1 of movement information isrepresented as character information, thereby allowing the operator toview whether the guide GUI G and the ROI GUI R are moved or notaccording to the moving operation for the ROI GUI R on the displayscreen.

Returning to the description on FIG. 6, the movement control function113 determines whether to finish the moving operation or not (step ST10b). In the case of YES in the determination in step ST10 b, that is, inthe case where it is determined to finish the moving operation, themovement control function 113 advances the processing to step ST11 shownin FIG. 4, and sets the ROI.

On the contrary, in the case of NO in the determination in step ST10 b,that is, in the case where it is determined that the moving operation isnot finished, the movement control function 113 determines whether aninstruction of changing the movement information has been issued throughthe input circuitry 12 or not (step ST10 c). In the case of YES in thedetermination in step ST10 c, that is, in the case where it isdetermined that the instruction of changing the movement information hasbeen issued, the movement control function 113 changes the movementinformation according to the instruction of changing the movementinformation (step ST10 d). For example, the movement control function113 changes the movement information from the first piece M1 to thesecond piece M2. Next, the movement control function 113 returns theprocessing to step ST9 shown in FIG. 4, and accepts the moving operationfor the ROI GUI and guide GUI through the input circuitry 12.

On the contrary, in the case of NO in the determination in step ST10 c,that is, in the case of determining that the instruction of changing themovement information has not been issued, the movement control function113 leaves the movement information unchanged, and returns theprocessing to step ST9 shown in FIG. 4, and accepts the moving operationfor ROI GUI and guide GUI through the input circuitry 12.

Returning to the description on FIG. 4, the guide GUI or the ROI GUI onthe display screen is subjected to the moving operation according to thecontrol in step ST10, thereby allowing the movement control function 113to set the ROI (step ST11).

The image generating function 114 generates the three-dimensional imageof the ROI set in step ST11 on the basis of the volume data obtained instep ST2 (step ST12).

The method of setting the ROI on the positioning image pertaining to the“Brain” in the imaging region information shown in FIG. 5 has thus beendescribed. However, the imaging region information is not limited to thecase of the “Brain”. Alternatively, the imaging region information maybe, for example, on any of “Knee”, “Aortic Valve/Pulmonary Valve” and“Heart”. The method of setting the ROI in these cases is described.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that includes thepositioning image including the knee, the ROI GUI, and the guide GUI.

FIG. 11 shows the positioning image generated from volume data includingthe knee, and is, for example, an axial image of X-Y section includingthe knee. The ROI GUI R and the guide GUI G are displayed on the axialimage. The guide GUI G is, for example, a line segment including thereference point detected in step ST4. Here, in the case of the axialimage including the knee, it is preferred that the detected referencepoints be a lower end of inner condyle of femur G1 and a lower end ofouter condyle of femur G2. However, the configuration is not limitedthereto. For example, the reference point may be an upper end of innercondyle of femur G3 and an upper end of outer condyle of femur G4.

The center position RC of the ROI GUI R may be set in the characteristicimaging region (the center of the femur region) detected based on thevolume data, set at the center of three or four reference points, ordetermined on the basis of the position of the guide GUI G. In the caseof setting based on the position of the guide GUI G, the center positionRC is determined on the basis of a point on the guide GUI G, e.g., areference point G1, a reference point G2 or the midpoint of thereference points G1 and G2, and of a preset relative position. Forexample, in the case where the position (X, Y) of the midpoint of thereference points G1 and G2 is (x0, y0) and the preset relative position(Y, Z) is (xn, yn), the position of the center position RC is determinedas (x0+xn, y0+yn). The preset relative position (xn, yn) may bedetermined on the basis of the attribute information as shown in FIGS.3A to 3C.

The angle of the ROI GUI R is determined on the basis of the angle ofthe guide GUI G. For example, the ROI GUI R includes a side having anoffset angle θ preset from the guide GUI G. In the example shown in FIG.11, the ROI GUI R has a rectangular shape including a side (offset angleθ=0) parallel to the guide GUI G. The center lines R1 and R2 of the ROIGUI R may be displayed together with the ROI GUI R. The preset offsetangle θ may be determined on the basis of the attribute information asshown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.

The positioning image initially displayed in step ST7 shown in FIG. 4may be the axial image shown in FIG. 11, a sagittal image, a coronalimage or an oblique section image. The positioning image to be initiallydisplayed may be images selected from among the sagittal image, axialimage, coronal image, and oblique section image.

In the case where the attribute information table T1 in FIG. 3A isreferred to and the imaging region information is “Knee”, the movementcontrol function 113 obtains the second piece M2 of movement informationin step ST8. In this case, the interlock relationship between the guideGUI and the ROI GUI may be defined by the second piece M2 of movementinformation.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an initial display screen that includes thepositioning image including the aortic valve/pulmonary valve, the ROIGUI, and the guide GUI.

FIG. 12 shows the positioning image generated from volume data includingthe aortic valve/pulmonary valve, and is, for example, an axial image ofX-Y section including the aortic valve/pulmonary valve.

The ROI GUI R and the guide GUI G are displayed on the axial image. Theguide GUI G is a line (section) including the reference point detectedin step ST4. Here, in the case of the axial image including the aorticvalve/pulmonary valve, it is preferred that the detected referencepoints be the aortic valve (base) G1, G2. However, the configuration isnot limited thereto. For example, the reference point may be thepulmonary valve (base).

The center position RC of the ROI GUI R may be set in the characteristicimaging region detected based on the volume data, set at the center ofthree or four reference points, or determined on the basis of theposition of the guide GUI G. In the case of setting based on theposition of the guide GUI G, the center position RC is determined on thebasis of a point on the guide GUI G, e.g., a reference point G1, areference point G2 or the midpoint of the reference points G1 and G2,and of a preset relative position. For example, in the case where theposition (X, Y) of the midpoint of the reference points G1 and G2 is(x0, y0) and the preset relative position (Y, Z) is (xn, yn), theposition of the center position RC is determined as (x0+xn, y0+yn). Thepreset relative position (xn, yn) may be determined on the basis of theattribute information as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.

The angle of the ROI GUI R is determined on the basis of the angle ofthe guide GUI G. For example, the ROI GUI R includes a side having anoffset angle θ preset from the guide GUI G. In the example shown in FIG.12, the ROI GUI R has a rectangular shape including a side (offset angleθ=0) parallel to the guide GUI G. The center lines R1 and R2 of the ROIGUI R may be displayed together with the ROI GUI R. The preset offsetangle θ may be determined on the basis of the attribute information asshown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.

The positioning image initially displayed in step ST7 shown in FIG. 4may be the axial image shown in FIG. 12, a sagittal image, a coronalimage or an oblique section image. The positioning image to be initiallydisplayed may be images selected from among the sagittal image, axialimage, coronal image, and oblique section image.

In the case where the attribute information table T1 in FIG. 3A isreferred to and the attribute information is “Aortic Valve/PulmonaryValve” shown in FIG. 12, the movement control function 113 obtains thethird piece M3 of movement information in step ST8. In this case, theinterlock relationship between the guide GUI and the ROI GUI may bedefined by the third piece M3 of movement information.

As described above, the medical image processing apparatus 10 turns theROI GUI according to the turning operation for the guide GUI on thedisplay screen, and independently controls sliding of the guide GUI andthe ROI GUI according to the sliding operation for the guide GUI and theROI GUI (e.g., the first piece M1 of movement information shown in FIG.2A), thereby allowing the ROI setting efficiency to be improved. Whenthe guide GUI and the ROI GUI are initially displayed on the basis of areference point with a low detection accuracy, the moving operation forthe guide GUI on the display screen is frequently performed by theoperator. In this case, particularly, according to the medical imageprocessing apparatus 10, it is possible to change the angle of the ROIGUI in the manner interlocked with the turning operation for the ROI GUIby the operator, and not to move the guide GUI in the interlocked mannerregardless of the turning operation and sliding operation for the ROIGUI by the operator. In this manner, the medical image processingapparatus 10 allows the ROI setting efficiency to be significantlyimproved.

Furthermore, the medical image processing apparatus 10 can switch theinterlocking relationship of the ROI GUI according to the movingoperation for the guide GUI on the display screen (e.g., any of the fivepieces M1 to M5 of movement information shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E). Inthis manner, the medical image processing apparatus 10 allows the ROIsetting efficiency to be improved. When the guide GUI and the ROI GUIare initially displayed on the basis of a reference point with a lowdetection accuracy, the moving operation for the guide GUI on thedisplay screen is frequently performed by the operator. In this case,particularly, according to the medical image processing apparatus 10, itis possible to change the position and angle of the ROI GUI in themanner interlocked with the moving operation for the guide GUI by theoperator or leave the position and angle unchanged. In this manner, themedical image processing apparatus 10 allows the ROI setting efficiencyto be significantly improved.

In particular, the medical image processing apparatus 10 can switch theinterlocking relationships of the guide GUI and the ROI GUI on thedisplay (e.g., any of the five pieces M1 to M5 of movement informationshown in FIGS. 2A to 2E) on the basis of the imaging region information,the operator identification information, and the patient identificationinformation. In this manner, the medical image processing apparatus 10allows the ROI setting efficiency to be improved.

2. Second Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an MRIapparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows the MRI apparatus 50 that images an imaging region to beimaged on an object (e.g., patient) P according to the secondembodiment. The MRI apparatus 50 sets a ROI using functions subsequentlyequivalent to the functions described on the medical image processingapparatus 10 according to the first embodiment on the basis of medicalimage data, for example, volume data. The MRI apparatus 50 performsdiagnostic imaging (e.g., imaging for obtaining a diagnostic image) forthe set ROI.

Even if the diagnostic imaging is accompanied by application of a RFsignal and a gradient magnetic field to an auxiliary region, such as atag region, the MRI apparatus 50 can set a ROI for the auxiliary region.The volume data which is an original of the ROI is set, may be generatedby the MRI apparatus 50 itself or by another medical image diagnosticapparatus, such as an X-ray CT apparatus. In the case where the volumedata is generated by the MRI apparatus 50 itself, the MRI apparatus 50generates the volume data through a preliminary imaging such as alocater imaging performed before the diagnostic imaging. The preliminaryimaging according to the present embodiment is not limited to thelocater imaging. In the case where multiple diagnostic imagings areperformed according to multiple protocols in an examination by the MRIapparatus 50, the MRI apparatus 50 may generate the volume data by apreceding diagnostic imaging which is one of the preliminary imaging.The description is hereinafter made assuming that the volume data whichis the original of the ROI is set is generated by the MRI apparatus 50itself.

The MRI apparatus 50 comprises a scanner 51 and a console 52 in a broadsense.

The scanner 51 includes a static field magnet 61, an gradient magneticfield coil 62, an gradient magnetic field power supply 63, a bed 64, abed controller 65, a transmitter coil 66, a transmitter 67, a receivercoils (receiving RF coils) 68 a to 68 e, a receiver 69, and a sequencer(sequence controller) 70.

The static field magnet 61 generates a static field in a bore (theinternal space of the static field magnet 61), which is a region to beimaged on an object (e.g., a patient). The static field magnet 61internally includes a superconducting coil. The superconducting coil iscooled at a cryogenic temperature with liquid helium. The static fieldmagnet 61 applies, to the superconducting coil, current supplied by apower source for a static field (now shown) in a magnetically excitedmode. This application generates a static field. Subsequently, the modetransitions to a persistent current mode, and then the coil is separatedfrom the power source for a static field. Once transitioning to thepersistent current mode, the static field magnet 61 continues togenerate a large static field for a long time, e.g., one year or more.The static field magnet 61 may be a permanent magnet.

The gradient magnetic field coil 62 is arranged in the static fieldmagnet 61, and serves as a gradient magnetic field generator thatgenerates a gradient magnetic field in the interior space. The gradientmagnetic field coil 62 is made of a combination of three coils thatcorrespond to respective axes, X, Y and Z orthogonal to each other.These three coils are individually supplied with current by the gradientmagnetic field power supply 63, and generate the gradient magnetic fieldwith magnetic intensity varying along the X, Y and Z axes. The Z-axisdirection is configured to be identical to that of the static magneticfield.

The gradient magnetic fields on the X, Y and Z axes generated by thegradient magnetic field coil 62 correspond to, for example, a gradientmagnetic field for readout Gr, a gradient magnetic field for phaseencoding Ge, and a gradient magnetic field for slice selection Gs,respectively. The gradient magnetic field for readout Gr is used tochange the frequency of the MR (magnetic resonance) signal according tothe spatial position. The gradient magnetic field for phase encoding Geis used to change the phase of the MR signal according to the spatialposition. The gradient magnetic field for slice selection Gs is used tofreely determine the imaging section.

The gradient magnetic field power supply 63 supplies current to thegradient magnetic field coil 62 on the basis of pulse sequence executiondata transmitted from the sequencer 70.

The bed 64 includes a top table 64 a on which the object P is laid. Thebed 64 inserts the top table 64 a into a hollow space (imaging bore) ofthe gradient magnetic field coil 62 in the state where the object P islaid thereon, under control by the bed controller 65, which is describedlater. Typically, the bed 64 is arranged so as to have a longitudinalaxis parallel to the center axis of the static field magnet 61.

The bed controller 65 drives the bed 64 to move the top table 64 a inthe longitudinal direction and the vertical direction under control bythe sequencer 70.

The transmitter coil 66 is arranged in the gradient magnetic field coil62, and supplied by the transmitter 67 with the RF pulse signal togenerate the RF pulse.

The transmitter 67 transmits, to the transmitter coil 66, the RF pulsesignal in conformity with the Larmor frequency, on the basis of thepulse sequence execution data transmitted from the sequencer 70.

The receiver coils 68 a to 68 e are arranged in the gradient magneticfield coil 62 and receive the MR signal emitted from the imaging regionto be imaged on the object P under effects of the high-frequencymagnetic field. Here, the receiver coils 68 a to 68 e are array coilsthat include element coils for receiving the MR signal emitted from theimaging region to be imaged on the object P. When each element coilreceives the MR signal, the receiver coil transmits the received MRsignal to the receiver 69.

The receiver coil 68 a is a coil for a head to be worn by the object Pon the head. The receiver coils 68 b and 68 c are coils for the spinethat is arranged between the back of the object P and the top table 64a. The receiver coils 68 d and 68 e are coils for the abdomen to be wornby the object P on the abdominal side.

The receiver 69 generates the MR signal on the basis of the MR signalsoutput from the receiver coils 68 a to 68 e according to the pulsesequence execution data transmitted from the sequencer 70. Upongenerating the MR signal, the receiver 69 transmits the MR signal to theconsole 52 through the sequencer 70.

The receiver 69 has receiving channels for receiving the MR signalsoutput from the element coils of the receiver coils 68 a to 68 e. Whennotification of the element coil to be used for imaging is made from theconsol 52, the receiver 69 assigns the receiving channel to the elementcoil designated by the notification so as to receive the MR signaloutput from the designated element coil.

The sequencer 70 is connected to the gradient magnetic field powersupply 63, the bed controller 65, the transmitter 67, the receiver 69,and the consol 52. The sequencer 70 stores control information requiredto drive the gradient magnetic field power supply 63, the bed controller65, the transmitter 67, and the receiver 69. The control information maybe, for example, sequence information that includes operation controlinformation, such as the intensity, application time and applicationtiming of the pulse current to be applied to the gradient magnetic fieldpower supply 63.

The sequencer 70 causes the bed controller 65 to perform drivingaccording to the predetermined sequence stored, thereby advancing andretracting the top table 64 a in the Z direction with respect to thebase. Furthermore, the sequencer 70 drives the gradient magnetic fieldpower supply 63, the transmitter 67, and the receiver 69 according tothe predetermined sequence stored, thereby generating an X-axis gradientmagnetic field Gx, a Y-axis gradient magnetic field Gy, and a Z-axisgradient magnetic field Gz, and a RF pulse signal in the base.

The console 52 performs the entire control of the MRI apparatus 50, datacollection, image reconstruction and the like. The console 52 includesprocessing circuitry 71, an input circuit 72, a display 73, an IF 74,memory circuitry 75, data collecting circuitry 76, and data processingcircuitry 77.

The processing circuitry 71 has a configuration equivalent to that ofthe processing circuitry 11 shown in FIG. 1. The processing circuitry 71performs a first imaging function (first imager) 710, a display controlfunction (display controller) 711, an accepting function (acceptor) 712,a movement control function (movement controller) 713, and a secondimaging function (second imager) 714. Here, the display control function711, the accepting function 712 and the movement control function 713have functions equivalent to those of the display control function 111,the accepting function 712 and the movement control function 113, whichare shown in FIG. 1, respectively. The processing circuitry 71 readsvarious types of control programs stored in the memory circuitry 75 andperforms the functions 710 to 714, and integrally controls processingoperations in the components 72 to 77.

The first imaging function 710 performs first imaging to generate volumedata on an imaging region to be imaged, and causes the memory circuitry75 to store the volume data. The first imaging is the locater imagingfor positioning before the diagnostic imaging (actual imaging), orimaging according to a preceding protocol before a subsequent protocolin the case where multiple protocols are performed. The case where thefirst imaging is the locater imaging for positioning before thediagnostic imaging is hereinafter described. The pulse sequence forthree-dimensional imaging as the locater imaging may be different fromthe pulse sequence used for diagnostic imaging. It is desired that thethree-dimensional imaging as the locater imaging should obtain thevolume data in a time as short as possible. Consequently, it ispreferred to use a pulse sequence for high-speed three-dimensionalimaging. For example, it is preferred that the pulse sequence forthree-dimensional imaging for positioning be three-dimensional imagingusing the 3D FFE (fast field echo) sequence, FFE sequence, SSFP sequenceor the like. However, the sequence is not necessarily limited thereto.

The second imaging function 714 regards the ROI set by the movementcontrol function 713, as a field of view (FOV), executes the diagnosticimaging (actual imaging) using various diagnostic sequences, andgenerates a diagnostic image. The diagnostic sequence may be, forexample, a T2-weighted image, T1-weighted image, FLAIR, Diffusion, andT2*-weighted image. However, the diagnostic sequence is not limitedthereto. Alternatively, the sequence is appropriately determined inconformity with the imaging purpose of the diagnostic imaging.

The input circuit 72 has a configuration equivalent to that of the inputcircuitry 12 shown in FIG. 1. The display 73 has a configurationequivalent to that of the display 13 shown in FIG. 1. The IF 74 has aconfiguration equivalent to that of the IF 14 shown in FIG. 1. Thememory circuitry 75 has a configuration equivalent to that of the memorycircuitry 15 shown in FIG. 1.

The data collecting circuitry 76 collects the MR signal transmitted fromthe receiver 69. After collecting the MR signal, the data collectingcircuitry 76 causes the memory circuitry 75 to store the collected MRsignal.

The data processing circuitry 77 applies a postprocess, which is areconstruction process, such as Fourier transformation, to the MR signalstored in the memory circuitry 75, thereby generating the spectrum dataon the desired nuclear spins in the imaging region to be imaged on theobject P, or image data. When the locater imaging is performed, the dataprocessing circuitry 77 generates profile data that represents thedistribution of the MR signal in the arrangement direction of theelement coils included in the receiver coils 68 a to 68 e, for each ofthe coils, on the basis of the MR signals received by the element coils.The data processing circuitry 77 stores the various data items generatedin the memory circuitry 75.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for specifically describing functions of the MRIapparatus 50 according to the second embodiment.

The identification information, the password and the like of theoperator are input through the input circuit 72 by the operator, therebyallowing the first imaging function 710 of the MRI apparatus 50 toauthenticate the operator (step ST21).

First, the first imaging function 710 sets the imaging regioninformation (imaging region to be imaged) in the volume data (stepST22). Next, the first imaging function 710 performs the locator imagingfor positioning before the diagnostic imaging (actual imaging) togenerate the volume data on the imaging region to be imaged, and storethe volume data into the memory circuitry 75 (step ST23).

When a desired volume data is designated through the input circuit 72,the display control function 711 obtains or reads the desired volumedata from the memory circuitry 75 (step ST24).

The display control function 711 detects the reference point on thebasis of the volume data obtained in step ST24 as with the case of stepST4 (shown in FIG. 4) (step ST25). It may be configured such that thereference point detected in step ST25 is different according to the typeof the imaging region information set in step ST22.

The display control function 711 sets the guide GUI including thereference point detected in step ST25 while setting the ROI GUI, as withthe case in step ST5 (shown in FIG. 4) (step ST26). The display controlfunction 711 generates the positioning image from the volume dataobtained in step ST24, as with the case in step ST6 (shown in FIG. 4)(step ST27). The display control function 711 initially displays, on thedisplay 73, the positioning image generated in step ST27, and the guideGUI and ROI GUI set in step ST26, as with the case in step ST7 (shown inFIG. 4) (step ST28).

The initial display screen displayed in step ST28 is equivalent to theinitial display screens shown in FIGS. 5, 11 and 12.

The accepting function 712 refers to the attribute information (e.g.,any of the attribute information tables T1 to T3 shown in FIGS. 3A to3C) stored in the memory circuitry 75, as the case in step ST8 (shown inFIG. 4). The accepting function 712 obtains the movement informationindicating whether to move the guide GUI and the ROI GUI or not (e.g.,any of pieces M1 to M5 of movement information shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E),as with the case in step ST8 (step ST29).

The accepting function 712 accepts moving operation for at least one ofthe ROI GUI and the guide GUI through the input circuit 72, as with thecase in step ST9 (shown in FIG. 4) (step ST30). The movement controlfunction 713 controls switching of whether to move the guide GUI and theROI GUI or not according to the moving operation for the movingoperation target on the basis of the movement information obtained instep ST29 (or movement information after change in step ST10 d shown inFIG. 6), as with the case in step ST10 (shown in FIG. 4) (step ST31).

The guide GUI or the ROI GUI on the display screen is subjected to themoving operation according to the control in step ST 31, therebyallowing the movement control function 713 to set the ROI, as with thecase in step ST11 (shown in FIG. 4) (step ST32).

The second imaging function 714 regards the ROI set in step ST32 as thefield of view, performs the diagnostic imaging (actual imaging) usingvarious diagnostic sequences, and generates a diagnostic image (stepST33).

The ROI set in step ST32 is not limited to the case where the ROI is thefield of view. The ROI may be an auxiliary region set separately fromthe field of view. For example, in the case of using a presaturationpulse in the diagnostic imaging, the auxiliary region may be a region tobe saturated according to the presaturation pulse (presaturationregion). Alternatively, the auxiliary region may be, for example, alabeling region used in the Time-SLIP method and the like (or a tagregion). The Time-SLIP method is an imaging method that uses no contrastmedium, and is a technique that applies a labeling pulse to the labelingregion to label fluid to thereby allow the fluid flowing from thelabeling region to the outside of the region to be observed.

For example, in the case of imaging for observing the CSF (cerebrospinalfluid) in foramen of Monro, the display control function 711 detects theforamen of Monro as the reference point from a coronal section image asthe positioning image, and sets the ROI GUI centered on a position apartfrom the foramen of Monro in parallel to the orientation of the foramenof Monro having a certain angle by a predetermined distance (e.g., 1[mm]) toward the third ventricle.

As described above, the MRI apparatus 50 turns the ROI GUI according tothe turning operation for the guide GUI on the display screen, andindependently controls sliding of the guide GUI and the ROI GUIaccording to the sliding operation for the guide GUI and the ROI GUI(e.g., the first piece M1 of movement information shown in FIG. 2A),thereby allowing the ROI (field of view) setting efficiency to beimproved. When the guide GUI and the ROI GUI are initially displayed onthe basis of a reference point with a low detection accuracy, the movingoperation for the guide GUI on the display screen is frequentlyperformed by the operator. In this case, particularly, according to theMRI apparatus 50, it is possible to change the angle of the ROI GUI inthe manner interlocked with the turning operation for the guide GUI bythe operator, and not to move the guide GUI in the interlocked mannerregardless of the turning operation and sliding operation for the ROIGUI by the operator. In this manner, the MRI apparatus 50 allows the ROIsetting efficiency to be significantly improved.

Furthermore, the MRI apparatus 50 can switch the interlockingrelationship of the ROI GUI according to the moving operation for theguide GUI on the display screen (e.g., any of the five pieces M1 to M5of movement information shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E). In this manner, theMRI apparatus 50 allows the ROI (field of view) setting efficiency to beimproved. When the guide GUI and the ROI GUI are initially displayed onthe basis of a reference point with a low detection accuracy, the movingoperation for the guide GUI on the display screen is frequentlyperformed by the operator. In this case, particularly, according to theMRI apparatus 50, it is possible to change the position and angle of theROI GUI in the manner interlocked with the moving operation for theguide GUI by the operator or leave the position and angle unchanged. Inthis manner, the MRI apparatus 50 allows the ROI setting efficiency tobe significantly improved.

In particular, the MRI apparatus 50 can switch the interlockingrelationships of the guide GUI and the ROI GUI on the display screen(e.g., the five pieces M1 to M5 of movement information shown in FIGS.2A to 2E) on the basis of the imaging region information, the operatoridentification information, and the patient identification information.In this manner, the MRI apparatus 50 allows the imaging region (ROI)efficiency in diagnostic imaging and auxiliary ROI such as the labelingregion setting efficiency to be improved.

At least one of the aforementioned embodiments allows one of themovement control functions 113 and 713 to function, thereby allowing theefficiency of setting ROI on the display screen to be improved.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods and systems describedherein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods andsystems described herein may be made without departing from the spiritof the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents areintended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within thescope and spirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical image processing apparatus, comprising:processing circuitry configured to accept an operation for a region ofinterest (ROI) GUI and a guide GUI on a screen on which a medical imageis displayed, the ROI GUI being for setting a ROI on the medical image,the guide GUI being for guiding a setting of the ROI on the medicalimage, and decide whether to move the ROI GUI and the guide GUI in amanner interlocked with each other or not according to a presetcondition, when a turning operation or a sliding operation for any oneof the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted.
 2. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein when the sliding operation for one of the ROI GUIand the guide GUI is accepted, the processing circuitry is configured toslide only the GUI for which the sliding operation is accepted,according to the condition.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2,wherein when the turning operation for one of the ROI GUI and the guideGUI is accepted, the processing circuitry is configured to turn the ROIGUI and the guide GUI in a manner interlocked with each other accordingto the condition.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theprocessing circuitry is configured to generate an image including a ROIindicated by the ROI GUI, based on the medical image.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein when the turning operation for the ROI GUIis accepted, the processing is configured to control the guide GUI notto be turned, according to the condition.
 6. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to adopt, as thecondition, a combination of an operation target, an operation type and amoving target, the operation target including the ROI GUI and the guideGUI, the operation type including the turning operation and the slidingoperation, and the moving target including the ROI GUI and the guideGUI, and perform control according to control content corresponding tothe adopted condition.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe processing circuitry is configured to adopt, as the condition, atleast one of pieces of attribute information that are imaging purposeinformation, operator identification information, and objectidentification information, and perform control according to controlcontent corresponding to the adopted condition.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein when the adopted condition is a desiredpiece of the attribute information, and when the turning operation forthe guide GUI is accepted, the processing circuitry is configured toturn the ROI GUI according to the control content corresponding to thedesired piece of the attribute information.
 9. The apparatus accordingto claim 8, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to refer to amemory that stores an attribute information table associating controlcontent with the attribute information so as to obtain the desired pieceof the control content corresponding to the desired piece of theattribute information, and turn, when the turning operation for theguide GUI is accepted, the ROI GUI according to the desired controlcontent.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processingcircuitry is configured to change the desired control content accordingto an instruction through an input device operable by the operator. 11.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry isconfigured to determine a position and an angle of the guide GUI to beinitially displayed, and a position and an angle of the ROI GUI to beinitially displayed, based on a reference point detected from themedical image.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein theprocessing circuitry is configured to determine the position and theangle of the guide GUI to be initially displayed, and the position andthe angle of the ROI GUI to be initially displayed, based on thereference point and on at least one of pieces of attribute informationthat are identification information on an imaging purpose, operatoridentification information, and object identification information. 13.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry isconfigured to display the condition, and control content correspondingto the condition, on the screen.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the processing circuitry is configured to display, on thescreen, a relative angle of the guide GUI after the turning operationwith respect to an angle of the guide GUI to be initially displayed. 15.A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, comprising: a static magneticfield generator configured to generate a static magnetic field; agradient magnetic field generator configured to generate a gradientmagnetic field; a transmitter coil configured to apply a high-frequencypulse to an object; and processing circuitry configured to generate amedical image, based on a signal corresponding to the high-frequencypulse, accept an operation for a ROI GUI and a guide GUI on a screen onwhich the medical image is displayed, the ROI GUI being for setting aROI on the medical image, the guide GUI being for guiding a setting ofthe ROI on the medical image, and decide whether to move the ROI GUI andthe guide GUI in a manner interlocked with each other or not, accordingto a preset condition, when a turning operation or a sliding operationfor any one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 15, wherein when the sliding operation forone of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted, the processingcircuitry is configured to slide only the GUI for which the slidingoperation is accepted, according to the condition.
 17. The apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein when the turning operation for one of theROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted, the processing circuitry isconfigured to turn the ROI GUI and the guide GUI in a manner interlockedwith each other according to the condition.
 18. A medical imageprocessing method, comprising: obtaining a medical image from a memorycircuitry; displaying the medical image on a screen of a display;accepting an operation for an ROI GUI and a guide GUI on a screen onwhich a medical image is displayed, the ROI GUI being for setting a ROIon the medical image, the guide GUI being for guiding a setting of theROI on the medical image, and deciding whether to move the ROI GUI andthe guide GUI in a manner interlocked with each other or not accordingto a preset condition, when a turning operation or a sliding operationfor any one of the ROI GUI and the guide GUI is accepted.